The UK's first apprenticeship scheme purely for electric vehicles has been established in the North East of England.
The four-year training course will be undertaken at the headquarters of Smith Electric Vehicles in Washington, Tyne & Wear, while the educational aspects will be taught at Gateshead College.
Successful applicants will complete a Level 3 framework, which is the equivalent to three A Levels. The practical work takes the form of an NVQ Level 3 in engineered systems, and a City & Guilds Level 3 in engineering. On passing these courses, apprenticeships will then have the opportunity to undertake a foundation degree.
The managing director for business, innovation and development at Gateshead College, Mick Brophy, estimates that by 2020 they will be up to 400,000 new 'green' jobs in the UK and wants his college to lead the way.
"By identifying, developing and delivering specialist training in these emerging green technologies, we're at the forefront of being able to successfully equip the region's workforce with the skills they need to meet this demand," says Brophy.
"The partnership with Smith Electric Vehicles forms a major part of this work and we're delighted to be the first college to develop this unique framework and offer an apprenticeship in electric vehicles," he adds.
"In Smith, we have found a partner with real foresight. Together we are creating a course that can be a blueprint for low carbon vehicle training across the UK."
